The best size for your prints depends on their resolution.
The more megapixels (MP) you have, the higher the
resolution
of your photos. Higher resolution is important for enlarging photos or cropping and enlarging portions of them.
This chart shows the maximum size you can print a photo in relation to your camera's megapixels*.
Camera megapixels
Good quality photos
Best quality photos
6-7 MP
16" x 20"
8" x 10"
8 MP
17" x 22"
8" x 10"
10 MP
20" x 30"
11" x 14"
For everyday snapshots, your megapixels shouldn't be a concern. Most manufacturers offer more pixel power than you'll
probably need.
*Note: These are conservative estimates. In most cases you can get great prints 10-20 percent larger than what is
indicated.
Higher resolution cameras produce larger images, which take up more memory. This chart shows how many
photos you can expect to fit on a variety of memory cards in relation to how many MPs your camera has.
A handful of manufacturers have kept with their own unique memory card format (xD, Memory Stick Duo,
CompactFlash-the list goes on) in an effort to lock consumers into using their product exclusively, but
the most widely used format is Secure Digital (or simply, SD as it's commonly known). If you're buying
your first digital camera, look for one that uses the SD format. That way, you're less likely to have to
purchase all new memory cards next time you replace your digital camera.
Optical zoom is how far your camera's lens can physically extend from the
camera body (its focal length). Optical zoom uses a series of internal lenses to magnify your subject.
Optical zoom ensures maximum image clarity.
Digital zoom stretches your camera's pixels to make a photo look bigger.
Essentially, it's the same as cropping and enlarging a photo. The result may be a lower quality
photo (compared to optical zoom).
Total zoom is calculated by multiplying the optical zoom by the digital zoom. For example:
3x optical x 8x digital = 24x total zoom
Not all digital cameras use the same kind of batteries, even when they come from the same manufacturer.
Digital cameras can use any of the following depending on how they're designed: alkaline, photo lithium,
NiMH, or lithium-ion.
It can be a little confusing, so we've sorted it all out for you. Check out our
complete guide to camera batteries.
Printable version
